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Norm’s Corner
The following Tips & Techniques for Successful Home Building have been inspired by questions most often asked by customers. When you are finished with these, you can click here and you can send me your most important questions about home building. Either I will get back to you personally, or I will publish an answer right on this web site!
Question #1
When is the right time to involve a contractor in the home building process?
Answer:
There are three primary areas of concern when you begin the home building process: The floor plan, the cost, and the location.
The right time to involve a contractor is at the beginning of the decision-making process. A contractor not only provides a wide range of design solutions and building choices, but also has valuable experience in determining the best and most cost-effective decisions.
Tip #1
Involve an experienced contractor early, and use their knowledge to your best benefit.
Question #2
How do you choose a contractor?
Very carefully. Decisions that affect your home, lifestyle, friends and family are some of the most important decisions you will ever make. You want to be sure you entrust important tasks to people you are confident will perform honestly, and up to your expectations.
Tip #2
Evaluate a contractor by looking at how many years they have been involved in building new homes. Make sure they have experience in all phases of home building, and are involved on-site in the building of your home, from site preparation and concrete work to shingles and everything in between. Check on their track record with banks and financing institutions. And, above all, don’t be afraid to ask for and contact references; that include other customers, subcontractors and banks.
Question #3
How closely am I allowed to be involved with the building of my home once the work has begun? There are so many horror stories of problems, construction delays, and costs running out of control. Is that just part of the process?
A good relationship with a contractor is built like a good home, from the ground up. A 100% open relationship, fully accountable for agreed upon schedules, and an understanding that working together makes the whole process more successful for everyone involved is the standard that should be expected.
Tip #3
Choose a contractor that stays involved in the entire building process, and is not afraid to keep you involved – every step of the way!
Question #4
How do I know where we stand on a budget and the cost of changes?
You are entitled to accurate accounting, documented change orders, and timely as well as detailed explanations of any changes in design or costs before they are incurred.
Tip #4
Insist on being involved in any changes and require all changes to be documented for your approval. Above all, work with a contractor that provides monthly billing and progress reports at your request.
